Page 26 - Energize July 2022

NEWS

University increases cost savings with

reliable cogeneration solution

lark University, a private The QSV91G gas generator’s increased power density covered the university’s yearly
research educational institution electrical and thermal energy requirements while excess power produced was exported
Cfounded in 1887, in Worcester, to the grid offering significant cost savings.
Massachusetts, needed to reduce The engine exhaust passed through an external steam boiler to produce 100 psi of
its reliance on the national grid and steam which was used by the university campus. The second path of thermal recovery
upgrade its 32-year-old 1,8 MW ‘slow was achieved in the form of hot water. The heated engine jacket water passed through
speed’ generator and cogeneration a plate and frame heat exchanger supplementing hot water to fulfill all needs on campus.
solution. The limited space availability on the premises brought some additional challenges
The university needed a reliable during the installation process. Cummins Power Generation technical specialists
and compact gas generator able to managed to resolve all challenges; ensuring the air quality and noise level requirements
fit into the existing allocated space, were met during the generator’s operation.
while being able to run continuously “The installation process was a challenge because of time constraints to complete
in grid parallel mode. Additionally, the project for the eligibility of receiving the utility incentives. Cummins Power
the university required the new Generation team was professional throughout the entire process from the installation
gas generator to be fully compliant through start-up and commissioning of the system to normal operations,” says Mark
with the latest US Environmental Leahy, a utility power plant engineer.
Protection Agency (EPA) emissions The partnership between Clark University and the local utilities—National Grid,
limitations, offering lower emissions Eversource and Cummins Power Generation; and the utility rebates availability, made
and significant environmental benefits this project a success.
through the thermal recovery.
Coupled with the cogeneration Contact Sbu Gule, Cummins Africa Middle East, Phone 011 451-3433,
benefits, the university increased sbu.gule@cummins.com, www.cummins.com
its overall efficiency regarding its
electrical and thermal needs and also
minimised its electricity purchase from
the grid.
Upon the completion of the
bidding process, Cummins Power
Generation was selected to complete
the project’s installation due to the
various operational options offered,
the generator’s availability and
cogeneration capabilities, as well
as the better lead time. Cummins
Power Generation supplied a 2 MW
QSV91G lean burn gas generator
which provided power and heat to the
entire campus through the existing
distribution system. The QSV91G gas
generator was equipped with Cummins
Power Command controls which
can allow the customer to remotely
monitor the generator’s performance
reducing labour and maintenance
costs.

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